David was unparalleled on the battlefield. Where Saul was afraid, David was invincible. But on the home front David had some weaknesses. What underpinned his great transgression was his fear at home. David decided to stay away from the battle, take a holiday spend time with his large and possibly demanding family. He was used to feeling important and in charge, but at home he was just another part of the process and perhaps even a burden. He excelled so much at his work that his home life paled in comparison. Despite his great family blessings – he didn’t feel very grateful. So he went up on the rooftop….
We all have this same experience, times when we don’t feel particularly engaged in what we are doing, when we are tired, lost, alone, or disappointed in where we are at. It is at these moments we are the most vulnerable, prone to temptation, seeking a thrill or a feeling of entitlement. In our boredom or apathy we may indulge our fears with a temporary but instant gratification, which may have long lasting consequences and addictions.
Being aware of you vulnerability is key to mastering it. When we fear it we do dumb things trying to prove that we are tough, invincible, important, often at the expense of our best selves and the relationships around us. But when we embrace it, we rely on the Lord and find His strength and perspective to move forward, we find compassion because we are compassionate of others, and we find hope as we recognize in others and ourselves - love supplanting our doubt.
Have a look at this inspiring TED talk on Vulnerability |
| David sees Bathsheba |
I think that as we come across these trials we really do need to focus more on the real picture. We need to remove the outside forces ( the world) and look to Heavenly Father for comfort. I know I am at fault for this. I often look to material possessions like tv, music, and friends to make me feel better about situations when I should being turning to my scripture, prayer, and adults that can be trusted to give sound advice.
ReplyDeleteToday I found myself being extremely angry with the boys in my gym class for not evolving the girls in class. I got mad and glared at them, but than I realized how my glaring was not going to make things better. Nor was me telling the girls how much I didn't like them. It didn't make the boys want to let me join in anymore. In fact it made them sour to me, but if I would have continued to show them the person I am( a happy one) this is one example that I personally chose to turn to the world instead :/